Stop homophobic stereotyping
Homophobia must not be tolerated in Church of England schools. The Bible or religious books must not be used to justify homophobic behaviour, says the advice sent to all Church of England schools by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Launched from the Trinity Lewisham School in London, the guide says that "Church of England schools should not turn a convenient blind eye to prejudice. Schools should ensure their behaviour policies include clear expectations that homophobic behaviour and language will not be tolerated and that there can be no justification for this negative behaviour based on the Christian faith or the Bible," says the advice.
The guidance also warns that schools can be "among the most homophobic social spaces". For this reason the documents set out clear policies as to how Church of England schools, which teach over 1 million pupils, can prevent homophobic bullying. They also make recommendations that staff are properly trained to deal with such bullying.
"Less than a year ago I set out my concerns about the terrible impact of homophobic bullying on the lives of young people and I made a public commitment to support our schools in eradicating homophobic stereotyping and bullying," stated Archbishop Welby.
"Church schools begin from the belief that every child is loved by God. This guidance aims to help schools express God's love by ensuring that they offer a safe and welcoming place for all God's children."
"For many children and young people living in today's UK, this is a non-issue, just a matter of fact," says the school guidance. "To deny this reality is to choose to be blinkered."
But it also recognises that there are different views on sexuality - and that these should be respected.
"It is important to communicate clearly to pupils and families that holding traditional faith perspectives on sexuality is not counter to the school's aims and ethos, but that expressing hatred, negativity and hostility to another is unacceptable."
Sadly, homosexuality remains a "divisive issue" in the church.
